The 2024 Yuexiu Temple Fair, a celebration of Cantonese folk culture, will kick off on February 24, the Lantern Festival, with seven days of festivities planned across various locations in Guangzhou's Yuexiu District. The event will feature over 120 activities, including Cantonese folk culture parades, intangible cultural heritage fairs, talent shows, culinary delights, and temple fairs.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
The main venue, centered along Guangzhou's traditional axis, will be anchored at Beijing Road, with additional stages at the Dongshankou area, Square of the Temple of the Five Immortals, Yangji Village, Yaotai Village, and more.
After the opening ceremony, the ancient streets of Beijing Road will come alive with folk parades showcasing Cantonese wedding customs, Shawan Piaose, flower lanterns from Fujian's Liancheng county, and Zhaoqing's Five Horse folk dance. There will also be cultural performances such as poetry, music, dance, and drama flash mobs, as well as street comedy performances.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
(Photo: Yuexiu Fabu)
In addition, over 30 intangible cultural heritage items will be showcased through performances, exhibitions, bazaars, and educational activities, blending trendy art with Cantonese culture.
At the Guangzhou Intangible Cultural Heritage Block (Beijing Road), an exhibition will display Canton porcelain, jade carving, crochet flowers, and lacquer paintings.
(Photo: Yuexiu Fabu)
At the Chenghuang Temple Zhongyou Square, the "C·Party" event will combine a bazaar, Chinese dragon attractions, and intangible heritage performances, featuring experts in traditional Chinese medicine, Cantonese cuisine, and traditional crafts showcasing their skills.
Visitors can also participate in Hanfu dressing sessions, makeup experiences, and interactive NPC scenarios, engaging with ancient Chinese figures such as Nanyue King Zhao Tuo, legendary politician and militarist Lady Xian, and poet Su Shi.
The gourmet area, another highlight of the Yuexiu Temple Fair this year, will have 34 food stalls on East Huifu Road, offering beloved intangible heritage cuisine and snacks such as Qingxin chicken, Shatian pigeon, and Chen Tianji fish skin. The opening hours will be from 15:00 to 22:00 on February 24 and from 10:00 to 22:00 daily from February 25 to March 3.
(Photo: Yuexiu Fabu)
Furthermore, this year's Yuexiu Temple Fair will collaborate with the Penang Miaohui in Malaysia through cultural ambassadors, artistic performances, and intangible heritage cooperation, marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia.
Reporter | Holly
Editor | Nan, Abby, Monica, James
